Wonderlust Wonderings

“Exceptionally interesting and understandable."  -Online Course Participant, Audio Forensics in 2020

New Online Travel Series Program: Montana Faces and Places The MSU Wonderlust volunteer Travel Series Team has launched a new  Montana Faces and Places 2020 ,  online Montana-based offerings, accompanied by relevant resources and recommendations. These programs are designed to deepen our knowledge and appreciation of the diverse people, communities and landscapes of the state we all call home. This is a four-part series that can be purchased all together or individually. Register for all 4 programs: click here Past program recordings will be shared with those registering late for the full series. To register for individual programs, click "Register here" below each description. Each program offers two 1-hour presentations. Dates and times listed below. Note: These Travel Series presentations will be recorded and shared with PAID registrants only, on a per request basis.

In the Spotlight: Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Hamilton, Montana Dates: July 14 and 16 Times: 4 to 5 p.m. Dr. Marshall E. Bloom of the Rocky Mountain Laboratory will discuss its century-old history, its transition into a National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases facility under Dr. Anthony Fauci and its vital role in the coronavirus pandemic. Register here Montana’s Sibanye-Stillwater Mine: Global Palladium and Platinum Producer and Leader in Best Mining Practices Dates: July 20 and 21 Times: 9 to 10 a.m. Paul Holick, senior development geologist at the mine, will outline the mining history of the Stillwater Complex in southcentral Montana. Randy Weimer, supervisor of the mine's environmental group, will address environmental and economic impacts and modern mining practices. Register here

Completed:  Finding Adventure, Beauty and New Friends on Montana’s Open Roads by Jeff King and Sara King Montana’s Remote Centennial Valley and Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge by Bill West

Your Feelings About Fall Programming According to our recent survey... 63% of respondents are feeling “cautious and concerned” about the immediate Coronavirus future. 69% of respondents appreciate and/or are open to online learning, whether or not there are classes in-person. Respondents are most familiar with Webex and Zoom. 71% of are interested in additional classes or tutorial on how to use Webex and other online forums. A majority prefer online programming in a similar format to traditional in-person Wonderlust programming. 80% are not ready to attend in-person programming or would consider it with strict precautions being met and enforced. Many are interested in paying for pre-recorded material they could access on their own schedule. Benefits of online learning: learn anywhere and anytime (if recorded), participate from out of state, safer, no winter driving, save on fuel and time. Cons of online learning:: “I miss my friends,” “I might as well read a book.”

Missed a recent online program?  Recordings of recent online Wonderlust programs, open to the public:   click here

COVID-19 Updates and Resources MSU-related updates on MSU COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Know the facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME): Read more about IHME and the daily COVID-19 projection updates.

MSU Wonderlust , a program of MSU Academic Technology and Outreach , provides intellectually stimulating and enjoyable programs that foster lifelong learning and community engagement for individuals 50 and greater. There are no tests, no grades and no papers. MSU Wonderlust offers learning opportunities for the pure joy of learning. Become a member or consider teaching for us.

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